Australia’s first factory capable of producing both community lithium batteries and EV chargers will be operational next month.
eLumina’s $20 million manufacturing facility will produce 300 batteries per year.
The factory is located on the Gold Coast in Queensland and has created 300 jobs.
CEO of eLumina, Lisa Marsh, said on-shore manufacturing of critical EV technology, such as chargers and batteries, was essential to Australia’s energy future.
“Global demand for batteries is soaring. We have record solar uptake and energy generation in Australia, but we need battery storage at scale to harness its full potential,” she said.
“Through battery storage we can capture this energy and ensure reliable and cheaper off-grid power to all Australians. This insulates communities from power outages and saves them money.”
Marsh said Queensland has the potential to become a world leader in next-generation battery manufacturing and research and development.
“Our centre is just the start of that. We are committed to making a fundamental difference to Australia’s clean energy economy,” she said.
“We’re building this facility using local talent and locally sourced parts and materials.”
“Our world-class research and development training centre will also upskill hundreds of Queenslanders with the expertise to contribute to our evolving battery and EV charging sector.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the Gold Coast had an ambitious plan to secure a larger slice of the clean energy sector.
“Our Economic and Climate Resilience and Sustainability Strategies are all about backing the Gold Coast to use renewable energy and boost the uptake of renewables,” Tate said.
Marsh said building Australia’s sovereign capability in battery storage and EV technology would support the growth of green energy and electric vehicles.
“By producing this technology in Australia, we can provide families with cheaper power and give more people confidence to drive an EV,” she said.